Dead Sea Mud

The concentrations of trace metals (Fe, n, Ni, Zn, Co, Cr, Cu and Pb) were investigated in the Dead Sea mud and river sediments in the northern basin of the Dead Sea region, Jordan. The pH of the mud was slightly above 8 while it was around 6 for the seawater. All analyzed heavy-metal content in the black mud, except Pb, was less than their contents in other types of mud. The sequential extraction results showed that Ni and Co transferred into the carbonate fraction, Mn is found mostly as manganese iron oxide, and the residual phase contained Cr, Cu, Fe and Pb.

The mud has low, heavy-metal contents. The findings of the sequential extraction and the analysis of correlation of various chemical parameters showed that none of the heavy metals preferred the organic phase of the mud. There is no effect of mixing the fresh water entering the Dead Sea from surrounding streams with salt water on the components of the Black mud.

Dead Sea black mud has been used as a facial mask and skin curative since ancient times. Its therapeutic powers are associated with the names of the Queen of Sheba and Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile. King Herod the Great came down to the Dead Sea seeking relief to the body and rest in the soul more than 2000 years ago. The dark color of the mud absorbs sunlight, thus heating the skin to which it is applied.